Cruiser fans and sun-worshippers alike, slather on the SPF 30 because there's a new PT in town. At a base price of $19,995, this cloth-topped Chrysler is the least expensive 4-seat convertible — or any convertible, for that matter — sold in the U.S. Fortunately, the low price doesn't equate with Amish-like deprivation of creature comforts, as this retro take on a 1940s' delivery van comes surprisingly well equipped: power windows, mirrors and door locks, plus power actuation of its 3-layer, fabric-lined top that latches in two places with a 180-degree twist of a single lever.

Of course, prices go up from there. The base car has durable-looking if not especially luxurious materials for the seats and door panels, and a 2.4-liter, 150-bhp inline-4 paired with a 5-speed manual transmission that moves the car at a pace consistent with the Cruiser name.

The next rung up, the Touring model, starts at $22,900 and features 16-in. alloy wheels, theft alarm, foglights and a CD-player sound system. A satisfying upgrade here is the 180-bhp light-pressure turbo 2.4-liter, paired with the 4-speed automatic transaxle.

Topping the hierarchy is the GT model, with 220 bhp of turbocharged thrust delivered through one of two gearboxes, a 5-speed manual Getrag or 4-speed automatic with AutoStick sequential selection. In addition to all the Touring model's equipment, the GT comes with 17-in. alloy wheels, extra bits of chrome on the grille and fascia, neatly stitched two-tone leather seats, a power height adjuster for the driver's seat, traction control and rear disc brakes replacing the lesser models' drums, for the grand sum of $27,565.

Viewing a cutaway body-in-white, and driving around the Tonto National Forest north of Phoenix, Arizona, in a GT model, I could tell immediately that the Convertible team has not simply lopped the top off a standard PT sedan.

Substantial hydroformed members reinforce the sills, a new structure behind the rear seat ties the body sides and floorpan together more solidly, and additional bracing around the rear beltline provides extra side-impact protection as well as increased overall rigidity. What Chrysler calls a "sport bar" not only adds to the structure, but its cross section and location were carefully tweaked to minimize aerodynamic buffeting of the rear-seat passengers.

Top up, we found it laudably quiet even into the 80-mph speed range, helped partly by 25-percent-thicker side glass that locks into the top seal when the door is closed. And the Convertible looks more rakish than the sedan in profile, due to a lower roof height and a faster angle to the rear panel. The smallness of the oval rear window will have you checking your outside mirrors while reversing, but it is glass instead of plastic, and can be replaced in the event of breakage.

Top down, the buffeting is well controlled, to the point of having to raise your voice only slightly to make that cell phone call that could have waited until you got to the office. The top features a sliding bow design and stacks compactly above the beltline. Its cover installs quickly by inserting several tabs and fastening two snaps.

Best of all, the A-pillars don't wiggle like overdone pasta over sharp bumps. A little cowl shimmy is detectable, but well within limits acceptable to convertible lovers. Spring, shock and anti-roll bar calibrations have been altered slightly but only enough to compensate for the additional 150 lb. or so that the convertible metamorphosis adds. And it's worth noting that the Cruiser Convertible is one of the roomiest, most practical canvas-toppers out there, with 13.8 cu. ft. of trunk room, and rear seats that individually fold and tumble forward to make use of a generously sized pass-through port.

With its utility, cheeky styling that alludes to a simpler time and a price that is more than fair, the PT Cruiser Convertible is a must-drive for anyone who's considering mixing a little sunshine with the motoring experience.